Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 5).djvu/182

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Yes, yes, they—but not the soldiers.

Before a single night had passed my secret foes had distorted the affair. "Caesar has induced Knodomar to proclaim him Emperor," the story went, "and in requital he has granted the barbarian his life." And, thus inverted, the news has travelled to Rome.

Are you sure of that? And through whom?

Ah, through whom? through whom? I myself wrote at once to the Emperor and told him everything, but

Well—and how did he answer?

As usual. You know his ominous silence when he means to strike a blow.

I believe you misinterpret all this. It must be so. You will see that his envoy will soon assure you of

I am assured, Helena! Here, in my bosom, I have some intercepted letters, which

Oh, Lord my God, let me see!